Polymerizable acetylene composition and acetylene photopolymerization process

ABSTRACT

Compositions comprising at least one nonvolatile acetylene alone or together with a strained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of a catalyst for metathesis polymerization, which comprise at least one one-component catalyst from the group molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds which comprise (a) either at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent or (b) at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal. The storage-stable compositions can be polymerized by the action of actinic radiation or by short-term irradiation and subsequent thermal curing. The polymers can be used to prepare shaped articles, films, coatings and relief images.

The present invention relates to compositions comprising nonvolatile acetylenes and photocatalytic amounts of a molybdenum, tungsten, niobium or tantalum catalyst which either comprises at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent, or comprises at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal; to a photopolymerization process for preparing polyacetylenes; to a two-stage process for photopolymerization and subsequent thermal polymerization of nonvolatile acetylenes; to carrier materials having at least one layer comprising nonvolatile acetylenes together with a catalytic amount of this catalyst; and to carrier materials having at least one layer of nonvolatile polyacetylenes or having a relief structure comprising polyacetylenes.

Voronkov et al. [Voronkov, M. G., Pukhnarevich, V. B., Sushchinskaya, S. P., Annenkova, V. Z., Annenkova, V. M., Andreeva, N. J., J. Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry Edition 18:53-57 (1980)] describe the polymerization of acetylene and substituted acetylenes using molybdenum halides and tungsten halides in 1,2-dichloroethane. Masuda et al. [Masuda, T., Okano, Y., Kuwane, Y., Higashimura, T., Polymer Journal 12:907-913 (1980)] describe the same reaction in other halogenated solvents or in hydrocarbons. The catalysts are so reactive that formation of polymer takes place at room temperature or even at lower temperatures. Consequently, the compositions are difficult to process and, accordingly, have not acquired any importance whatsoever.

Masuda et al. [Masuda, T., Kawasaki, M., Okano, Y., Higashimura, T., Polymer Journal 14:371-377 (1982)] mention that, using cocatalysts such as, for example, tetraphenyltin or triethylaluminum, it is possible to increase the reactivity of molybdenum halides and tungsten halides in the polymerization of acetylenes. A description is also given of how molybdenum hexacarbonyl and tungsten hexacarbonyl, following irradiation with UV light for one hour in the presence of CCl₄, form an active catalyst system for the polymerization of acetylenes.

Tamura et al. [Tamura, K., Masuda, T., Higashimura, T., Polymer Bulletin 32:289-296 (1994)] describe how molybdenum hexacarbonyl and tungsten hexacarbonyl together with Lewis acids, following irradiation with UV light, are effective initiators for the polymerization of acetylenes.

Gita and Sundarajan [Gita, B., Sundarajan, G., Tetrahedron Letters 34:6123-6126 (1993)] describe the preparation of block copolymers by metathesis polymerization of norbornene and phenylacetylene using UV-irradiated W(CO)₆ /CCl₄. The preparation of static polymers of norbornene and phenylacetylene was described earlier by Masuda et al. [Masuda, T., Yoshida, T., Makio, H., Rahman, M.Z.A., Higashimura, T., J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 503-504 (1991)].

Nothing has to date been disclosed in the art regarding the direct photopolymerization of substituted or unsubstituted acetylenes alone or together with strained cycloolefins.

It has now surprisingly been found that nonvolatile acetylenes, alone or together with certain one-component catalysts, constitute compositions which are storage stable if light and moisture are excluded and which, under the action of actinic radiation, are subject to a metathesis polymerization or copolymerization, the polymers being formed in short reaction times and with good to very good yields. It has also been found that it is sufficient, surprisingly, to initiate the polymerization by irradiation and then to continue it under the action of heat, it has also been surprisingly found that the polymerization can be carried out without solvent, a fact which opens up wider possibilities for application, an example being the direct preparation of moldings by bulk polymerization.

One subject of the invention is a composition comprising at least one nonvolatile acetylene alone or together with a stained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of a catalyst for metathesis polymerization, which comprises at least one one-component catalyst selected from the group consisting of molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds which comprise (a) either at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent or (b) at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal.

The cycloolefins involved are, as is known, strained rings. Cyclohexene can in general not be polymerized by olefin metathesis. This exception is known to the skilled worker and is described, for example, in Ivin [Ivin, K. J. in: Ivin, K. J., Saegusa, T. (eds), Ring-Opening Polymerisation 1:139-144 Elsevier Applied Science Publishers, London and New York (1984)].

Suitable acetylenes correspond, for example, to the formula I

    R.sub.a --C.tbd.C--R.sub.b                                 (I).

in which

R_(a) is C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --OH, --CN, --NH₂ C₁ -C₆ allkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--O--, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--C(O)NH--, --NH(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --N(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--S--, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--C(O)O--, --C(O)--NH₂, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--OC(O)-- or C₁ -C₆ alkyl--NHC(O)--, or is C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl, (C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl)--C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₆ -C₁₈ aryl, C₇ -C₁₉ aralkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ alkoxy, C₃ -C₁₂ -cycloalkoxy, (C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl)--C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆ -C₁₈ aryloxy, C₇ -C₁₉ aralkyloxy, C₃ -C₉ heterocycloalkyl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, or C₃ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, or R_(a) is --(O)_(k) --S R_(c) R_(d) R_(e), C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl--OC(O)--, --C(O)--NH₂ or C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl--NHC(O)--;

R_(b) is hydrogen or, independently, has the meaning of R_(a) ;

R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₅ -- or C₆ cycloalkyl, C₅ -- or C₆ cycloalkoxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl, phenyloxy, benzyl or benzyloxy; and k is 0 or 1.

Preferred substituents of R_(a) and R_(b) are --OH, --F, --Cl, --CN, C₁ -C₄ alkyl and C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, for example methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl and n-, i- or t-butyl.

R_(a) and R_(b) as alkyl contain preferably 1 to 12 and particularly preferably 1 to 8 C atoms, R_(a) and R_(b) being, in a preferred embodiment, independently of one another, branched alkyl. Examples are methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl and the various isomeric pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl radicals.

R_(a) and R_(b) as cycloalkyl are preferably C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl, especially C₅ -- or C₆ cycloalkyl. Some examples are cyclopropyl, dimethylcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, methylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

R_(a) and R_(b) as cycloalkyl-alkyl are preferably C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--CH₂ --, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--CH(CH₃)-- or C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--C(CH₃)₂ --, especially C₅ -- or C₆ cycloalkyl--CH₂. Some examples are cyclopropyl--CH₂ --, dimethylcyclopropyl-CH₂ --, cyclohexyl--CH₂ --, cyclopentyl--CH₂ --, cyclopentyl--C(CH₃)₂ --, methylcyclopentyl--CH₂ --, cyclohexyl--CH₂ --, cyclohexyl--CH(CH₃)--, cyclohexyl-C(CH₃)₂ --, cycloheptyl--CH₂ -- and cyclooctyl--CH₂ --.

R_(a) and R_(b) as aryl contain preferably 6 to 14 and particularly preferably 6 to 10 C atoms. They may, for example, be phenyl, methylphenyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, chlorophenyl, fluorophenyl, methoxyphenyl and dimethoxyphenyl, pentaline, indene, naphthalene, azuline or anthracene. Unsubstituted or substituted phenyl is particularly preferred.

R_(a) and R_(b) as aralkyl contain preferably 7 to 12 C atoms and particularly preferably 7 to 10 C atoms. They may, for example, be benzyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, α-methylbenzyl, phenbutyl and α,α-dimethylbenzyl. Unsubstituted or substituted benzyl is particularly preferred, for example benzyl, methylbenzyl, dimethylbenzyl, trimethylbenzyl, α-methylbenzyl and α,α-dimethylbenzyl.

R_(a) and R_(b) as heterocycloalkyl contain preferably 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. They can, for example, be oxirane, azirine, 1,2-oxathiolane, pyrazoline, pyrroldine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrothiophene, from which R_(a) and R_(b) are derived as monovalent radicals. The heterocycloalkyl contain preferably 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. They can, for example, be oxirane, azirine, 1,2-oxathiolane, pyrazoline, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrothiophene, from which R_(a) and R_(b) are derived as monovalent radicals. The heterocycloalkyl is preferably attached via one of its C atoms to the acetylene radical.

R_(a) and R_(b) as heteroaryl contain preferably 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. They may, for example, be pyrrole, furan, thiophene, oxazole, thiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indole, purine and quinoline, from which R_(a) and R_(b) are derived as monovalent radicals. The heteroaryl is preferably attached by one of its C atoms to the acetylene radical.

If R_(a) and R_(b) are alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, (cycloaklyl)alkoxy, aryloxy or aralkyloxy, the hydrocarbon groups in the oxy radicals are subject to the same preferred embodiments as indicated beforehand for alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl and aralkyl.

Where R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) are alkyl or alkoxy, it can be linear or branched and can preferably contain 1 to 12, particularly preferably 1 to 8 and especially 1 to 4 C atoms. Particularly preferred alkyl is methyl and ethyl. Particular preference as alkoxy is given to methoxy and ethoxy.

Preferred substituents for R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) as phenyl, phenyloxy, benzyl and benzyloxy are, within the context of the definitions, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy.

In one preferred embodiment R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, phenyl or benzyl.

In the formula --(O)_(k) --SiR_(c) R_(d) R_(e), k is preferably 0.

Some examples of the group R_(a) of the formula --(O)_(k) --SiR_(c) R_(d) R_(e) are --Si(CH₃)₃, --Si(OCH₃)₃, --Si(₆ H₅)₃, --Si(C₂ H₅)₃, --Si(n-C₃ H₇)₃, --Si(n-C₄ H₉)₃, --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₄ H₉), --Si(CH₃)₂ (t-C₄ H₉), --Si(CH₃)₂ (C₂ H₅), --Si(CH₃)₂ [C(CH₃)₂ CH(CH₃)₂ ], --Si(OC₆ H₅)₃, --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₁₂ H₂₅), --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₁₈ H₃₇), --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)₃, --Si(C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂, --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅) (CH₃)₂ and --Si(OCH₂ --C₆ H₅)₃. Very particular preference is given to --Si(CH₃)₃.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the groups R_(a) and R_(b) is a sterically bulky group, for example cyclic radicals and, in particular, secondary or tertiary alkyl radicals.

Some examples of actylenes of the formula I are CH₃ --C.tbd.CH, CH₃ --C.tbd.C--CH₃, C₂ H₅ --C.tbd.CH, n- or i-C₃ H₇ --C.tbd.CH, n-, i- or t-C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.CH, t-C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.CH₃, C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.C--C₄ H₉ --C₆ H₁₁ --C.tbd.CH, C₆ H₅ --C.tbd.CH, C₆ H₅ C.tbd.CC₆ H₅, HC.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, (H₃ C)₃ Si--C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, CH₃ --C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, t-C₄ H₉ O--C.tbd.CH and HC.tbd.C--Si(OCH₃)₃.

Very particularly preferred acetylenes are t-butylacetylene, trimethylsilylacetylene and methyl-trimethylsilylacetylene.

The acetylenes of the formula I are known or can be prepared by known processes.

The acetylenes of the formula I can be subjected to a photometathesis polymerization, alone or together with strained cycloolefins as comonomers.

The novel composition may therefore additionally comprise nonvolatile strained cycloolefins as comonomers. In this way it is possible to specifically modify the properties of the polymers. The amount of comonomers can, for example, be from 0.1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 1 to 95% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 90% by weight, with particular preference from 5 to 75% by weight and, with especial preference, from 5 to 60% by weight, based on the overall amount of the monomers.

The cyclic olefins can be monocyclic or polycyclic fused and/or bridged ring systems and/or ring systems connected directly or via a bridge group, which have for example from two to four rings and which are unsubstituted or substituted and can contain heteroatoms such as, for example, O, S, N or Si in one or more rings and/or can contain fused aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, for example o-phenylene, o-naphthylene, o-pyridinylene or o-pyrimidinylene. The individual cyclic rings may include 3 to 16, preferably 3 to 12 and, with particular preference, 3 to 8 ring members. The cyclic and polycyclic olefins may include further nonaromatic double bonds, preferably from 2 to 4 such additional double bonds depending on ring size. The ring substituents involved are those which are inert; in other words, those which do not impair the chemical and thermal stability of the niobium, tantalum, molybdenum and tungsten compounds. The cycloolefins are strained ring or ring systems.

Thermal stability means in the context of the invention that the photocatalytically active niobium(V), tantalum(V), molybdenum(VI) or tungsten(VI) compounds do not when heated form active specifies for the metathesis polymerization. The catalyst is unable, for example, to initiate metathesis polymerization at room temperature to slightly elevated temperature, such as about +40° C., for a period of weeks with exclusion of light. During this time, only an insignificant amount of monomer (less than 0.2% by weight) is converted. The thermal stability can be determined, for example, by storing a toluene solution containing 20% by weight monomer and 0.33% by weight molybdenum, tungsten, niobium or tantalum catalyst for 96 hours in darkness at 50° C. and the amount of polymer possibly formed, evident from the increase in viscosity and measurable by precipitation in a precipitant, for example ethanol, filtration and drying, is not more than 0.5% by weight and preferably not more than 0.2% by weight.

If the cyclic olefins contain more than one double bond, for example 2 to 4 double bonds, then depending on the reaction conditions, on the chosen monomer and on the amount of catalyst it is also possible for crosslinked polymers to form.

In a preferred embodiment the cycloolefins correspond to the formula II ##STR1## in which

Q₁ is a radical which has at least one carbon atom and which, together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group, forms an at least 3-membered alicyclic ring containing, if desired, one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorous, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; and which is unsubstituted or is substituted by halogen, ═O, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl, C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₆ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₆ heteroaralkyl or R₄ --X--; or in which two adjacent C atoms are substituted by --CO--O--CO-- or --CO--NR₅ --CO--; or in which, if desired, an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is fused onto adjacent carbon atoms of the alicyclic ring and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₆ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl, C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₆ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₆ heteroaralkyl or R₁₃ --X_(1--;)

X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --O--C(O)--, --C(O)--O--, --C(O)--NR₅ --, --NR₁₀ --C(O)--, --SO₂ --O-- or --O--SO₂ --;

R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

R₄ and R₁₃ independently are C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl, or C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl;

R₅ and R₁₀ independently of one another are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, the alkyl groups in turn being unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy or C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl;

R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal; and

u is 0 or 1;

where the alicyclic ring formed with Q₁ may contain further nonaromatic double bonds;

Q₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, halogen, --CN, R₁₁ --X_(2--;)

R₁₁ is C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl;

X₂ is --C(O)--O-- or --C(O)--NR₁₂ --;

R₁₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

where the above-mentioned cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl and heteroaralkyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, --NO₂, --CN or halogen, and where the heteroatoms of the above-mentioned heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl groups are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR₉ -- and --N═; and

R₉ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.

Fused-on alicyclic rings contain preferably 3 to 8, particularly preferably 4 to 7 and, with particular preference, 5 or 6 ring C atoms.

In the definitions of the substituents the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups can be straight-chain or branched. The same also applies to the alkyl moiety of alkoxy, alkylthio, alkoxycarbonyl and other alkyl-containing groups. These alkyl groups contain preferably 1 to 12, more preferably 1 to 8 and, with particular preference, 1 to 4 C atoms. These alkenyl and alkynyl groups contain preferably 2 to 12, more preferably 2 to 8 and, with particular preference, 2 to 4 C atoms.

Alkyl comprises, for example, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl and the various isomeric pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl radicals.

Hydroxyalkyl comprises, for example, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, 1-hydroxyisopropyl, 1-hydroxy-n-propyl, 2-hydroxy-n-butyl, 1-hydroxy-isobutyl, 1-hydroxy-sec-butyl, 1-hydroxy-tert-butyl and the various isomeric pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl radicals.

Haloalkyl comprises, for example, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl and also halogenated alkanes, especially fluorinated or chlorinated alkanes, for example of the isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, iosbutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, and of the various isomeric pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl radicals.

Alkenyl comprises, for example, propenyl, isopropenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, n-penta-2,4-dienyl, 3-methyl-but-2-enyl, n-oct-2-enyl, n-dodec-2-enyl, iso-dodecenyl, n-octadec-2-enyl, n-octadec-4-enyl.

Cycloalkyl is preferably C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl, especially C₅ - or C₆ cycloalky. Some examples are cyclopropyl, dimethylcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, methylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

Cyanoalkyl comprises, for example, cyanomethyl (methylnitrile), cyanoethyl (ethylnitrile), 1-cyanoisopropyl, 1-cyano-n-propyl, 2-cyano-n-butyl, 1-cyano-iso-butyl, 1-cyano-sec-butyl, 1-cyano-tert-butyl and the various isomeric cyanopentyl and -hexyl radicals.

Aralkyl contains preferably 7 to 12 C atoms and particularly preferably 7 to 10 C atoms. It can, for example, be benzyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, α-methylbenzyl, phenbutyl or α,α-dimethylbenzyl.

Aryl contains preferably 6 to 10 atoms. It can, for example, be phenyl, pentaline, indene, naphthalene, azuline or anthracene.

Heteroaryl contains preferably 4 of 5 atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. It can, for example, be pyrrole, furan, thiophene, oxazole, thiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indole, purine or quinoline.

Heterocycloalkyl contains preferably 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. It can, for example, be oxirane, azirine, 1,2-oxathiolane, pyrazoline, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrothiophene.

Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, i-propyloxy, n-butyloxy, i-butyloxy, sec-butyloxy and t-butyloxy.

For the purposes of the present invention, alkali metal is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium, especially lithium, sodium and potassium.

For the purposes of the present invention, alkaline earth metal is beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, especially magnesium and calcium.

In the above definitions halogen (halo) refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine preferably fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

Particularly suitable compounds of the formula II are those in which Q₂ is hydrogen.

Preference is also given to compounds of the formula II in which the alicyclic ring formed by Q₁ together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group has 3 to 16, more preferably 3 to 12 and, with particular preference, 3 to 8 ring atoms and where the ring system involved can be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system.

With particular advantage the novel composition comprises compounds of the formula II in which

Q₁ is a radical having at least one carbon atom which together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group forms a 3- to 20-membered alicyclic ring which may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of silicon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, ═O, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ --Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COOM(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl, C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₂ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₂ heteroaralkyl or R₄ --X--; or in which two adjacent C atoms in this radical Q₁ are substituted by --CO--O--CO-- or --CO--NR₅ --CO--; or in which an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring may be fused onto adjacent carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁ _(1/2), C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl, C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₂ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₂ heteroaralkyl or R₁₃ --X_(1--;)

X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --O--C(O)--, --C(O)--O--, --C(O)--NR₅ --, --NR₁₀ --C(O)--, --SO₂ --O-- or --O--SO₂ --;

R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal;

R₄ and R₁₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl, C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl;

R₅ and R₁₀ independently of one another are hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, the alkyl groups in turn being unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl;

R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

u is 0 or 1;

where the alicyclic ring formed with Q₁ may contain further nonaromatic double bonds;

Q₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, halogen, --CN, R₁₁ --X_(2--;)

R₁₁ is C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl or C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl;

X₂ is --C(O)--O-- or --C(O)--NR₁₂ --; and

R₁₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

where the cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl and heteroaralkyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, --NO₂, --CN or halogen, and where the heteroatoms of the heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl groups are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR₉ -- and --N═; and

R₉ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.

From this group, preference is given to those compounds of the formula II in which

Q₁ is a radical having at least one carbon atom which together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group forms a 3- to 10-membered alicyclic ring which may contain a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of silicon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or R₄ --X--; or in which an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring may be fused onto adjacent carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or R₁₃ --X_(1--;)

R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal;

R₄ and R₁₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl;

X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO-- or --SO₂ --;

R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

and Q₂ is hydrogen.

The novel process is particularly suitable for polymerizing norbornene and norbornene derivatives. Of these norbornene derivatives, particular preference is given to those which correspond alternatively to the formula III ##STR2## in which

X₃ is --CHR₁₆ --, oxygen or sulfur;

R₁₄ and R₁₅ independently of one another are hydrogen, --CN, trifluoromethyl, (CH₃)₃ Si--O--, (CH₃)₃ Si-- or --COOR₁₇ ; and

R₁₆ and R₁₇ independently of one another are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

or to the formula IV ##STR3## in which

X₄ is --CHR₁₉ --, oxygen or sulfur;

R₁₉ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl; and

R₁₈ is hydrogen, C.sub. -C₆ alkyl or halogen;

or to the formula V ##STR4## in which

X₅ is --CHR₂₂ --, oxygen or sulfur; R₂₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

R₂₀ and R₂₁ independently of one another are hydrogen, CN, trifluoromethyl, (CH₃)₃ Si--O--, (CH₃)₃ Si-- or --COOR₂₃ ; and

R₂₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

or to the formula VI, ##STR5## in which

X₆ is --CHR₂₄ --, oxygen or sulfur;

R₂₄ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;

Y is oxygen or ##STR6##

R₂₅ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or phenyl.

The following compounds are particularly suitable for the novel polymerization process, bicyclic and polycyclic systems being obtainable by Diels-Alder reactions: ##STR7## In a preferred embodiment the novel composition comprises, as comonomers, strained cycloolefins composed only of carbon and hydrogen.

Very particularly preferred comonomers are selected from the group consisting of norbornene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene and cyclooctene.

The niobium(V) and tantalum(V) compounds to be used in accordance with the invention contain one metal atom. In the case of the molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) compounds to be used in accordance with the invention, the compounds involved may include one metal atom or two metal atoms connected via a single, double or triple bond.

If a methyl group or a monosubstituted methyl group without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent is attached to the metal, then it is attached at least twice, particularly preferably from two to five times, with especial preference, two or three times as ligand. The group attached to the metal atom preferably corresponds to the formula VII

    --CH.sub.2 --R                                             (VII),

in which R is H, --CF₃, --CR₂₆ R₂₇ R₂₈, --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₄ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; and

R₂₆, R₂₇ and R₂₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₀ alkoxy, or R₂₆ and R₂₇ have this meaning and R₂₈ is C₆ -C₁₀ aryl or C₄ -C₉ heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy; and

R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl.

If R₂₆ to R₃₁ are alkyl it can be linear or branched and can preferably contain 1 to 8 and, with particular preference, 1 to 4 C atoms. If R₂₈ to R₃₁ are aryl then the radical involved is preferably phenyl or naphthyl.

If R in formula VII is aryl it is preferably phenyl or naphthyl.

If R in formula VII is heteroaryl it is preferably pyridinyl, furanyl, thiophenyl or pyrrolyl.

Preferred substituents for R₂₆ to R₃₁ in the context of the definitions are methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy. Examples of the radicals R₂₆ to R₃₁ have been indicated above under the compounds of the formula I.

In a preferred embodiment the group R in formula VII is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ C₆ H₅, phenyl which is unsubstituted or is substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy, or is --CF₃ or --Si(CH₃)₃.

If at least one halogen and one silylmethyl group are attached to the metal atom, the silylmethyl group preferably corresponds to the formula VIIa

    --CH.sub.2 --SiR.sub.29 R.sub.30 R.sub.31                  (VIIa),

in which

R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl. The halogen in this case is preferably Cl or Br.

If R₂₉ to R₃₁ are alkyl it can be linear or branched and can preferably contain 1 to 12, particularly preferably 1 to 8 and especially 1 to 4 C atoms. Methyl and ethyl are particularly preferred as alkyl.

Preferred substituents for R₂₉ to R₃₁ as phenyl and benzyl in the context of the definitions are methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy.

In a preferred embodiment, in the group of the formula VIIa R₂₉ to R₃₁ are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.

Some examples of the group of the formula VIIa are --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃, --CH₂₋ Si(C₂ H₅)₃, --CH₂ --Si(n--C₃ H₇)₃, --CH₂ --Si(n--C₄ H₉)₃, --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₄ H₉), --CH₂₋ Si(CH₃)₂ (t--C₄ H₉), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (C₂ H₅), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ [C(CH₃)₂ ], --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₁₂ H₂₅), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₁₈ H₃₇), --CH₂ --Si(C₆ H₅)₃, --CH₂₋ Si(CH₂₋ C₆ H₅)₃, --CH₂ --Si(C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂ and --CH₂ --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂. Very particular preference is given to --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃.

The remaining valences of the molybdenum, tungsten, niobium and tantalum are preferably satisfied by thermally stable neutral ligands, the number of which may exceed the stoichiometrically possible number (solvates). Advantageously they are identical or different ligands selected from the group consisting of ═O and ═N--R₃₃, secondary amines having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O--, R₃₂ S--, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, bridged biscyclopentadienyl, tridentate monoanionic ligands and neutral ligands, for example ethers, nitriles, CO and tertiary phosphines and amines, in which the R₃₂ s independently of one another are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted phenyl, or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted benzyl or phenylethyl; and R₃₃ is unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl, or halogen, or is unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted benzyl or phenylethyl.

Secondary amines are preferably those of the formula R₃₄ R₃₅ N--, in which R₃₄ and R₃₅ independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted benzyl or phenylethyl or (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)₃ Si; or together are tetramethylene, pentamethylene or 3-oxapentane-1,5-diyl. The alkyl contains preferably 1 to 12 and particularly preferably 1 to 6 C atoms. Some examples are dimethyl-, diethyl-, di-n-propyl-, di-i-propyl-, di-n-butyl-, methyl-ethyl-, dibenzyl-, benzyl-methyl-, diphenyl-, phenyl-methylamino and di(trimethylsilyl)amino.

Halogen (halo) as ligand or substituent is preferably F or Cl, particularly preferably Cl.

The cyclopentadienyl can be unsubstituted or substituted from one to five times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, especially methyl, or --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl), especially --Si(CH₃)₃. Bridged cyclopentadienyls are in particular those of the formula R₃₆ --A--R₃₆, in which R₃₆ is unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl or cyclopentadienyl which is substituted from one to five times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, especially methyl, or by --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl), especially --Si(CH₃)₃, and A is --CH₂ --CH₂ --, --Si(CH₃)₂ --, --CH₂ --, --Si(CH₃)₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ -- or --Si(CH₃)₂ --O--Si(CH₃)₂ --. Particular preference is given, from this group, to unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl and indenyl.

Ethers as neutral ligands can be dialkyl ethers having 2 to 8 C atoms or cyclic ethers having 5 or 6 ring members. Some examples are diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, di-i-propyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and dioxan.

Nitriles as neutral ligands can be aliphatic or aromatic nitriles having 1 to 12, preferably 1 to 8 C atoms. Some examples are acetonitrile, propionitrile, butylnitrile, benzonitrile and benzylnitrile.

Tertiary amines and phosphines as neutral ligands can be those having 3 to 24, preferably 3 to 18 C atoms. Some examples are trimethylamine and -phosphine, triethylamine and -phosphine, tri-n-propylamine and -phosphine, tri-n-butylamine and -phosphine, triphenylamine and -phosphine, tricyclohexylamine and -phosphine, phenyldimethylamine and -phosphine, benzyldimethylamine and -phosphine, 2,6-dimethylphenyl-dimethylamine and -phosphine.

The tridentate monoanionic ligands can, for example, be hydro(trispyrazol-1-yl)borates or alkyl(trispyrazol-1-yl)borates which are unsubstituted or substituted from one to three times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl [see Trofimenko, S., Chem. Rev., 93:943-980 (1993)], or [C₅ (R'₅)Co(R₃₇ R₃₈ P═O)₃ ]⁻, in which R' is H or methyl and R₃₇ and R₃₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or phenyl [see Klaui, W., Angew. Shem. 102:661-670 (1990)].

Halogen as a substituent for the radicals R₃₂ and R₃₃ is preferably fluorine and particularly preferably chlorine. The substituents alkyl, alkoxy or alkoxy in alkoxymethyl or -ethyl contain preferably 1 to 4 and especially 1 or 2 C atoms. Examples are methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl, n-, i- and t-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n- and i-propyloxy and n-, i- and t-butyloxy.

R₃₂ and R₃₃ as alkyl contain preferably 1 to 12, particularly preferably 1 to 8 and especially preferably 1 to 4 C atoms. With particular preference they are branched alkyl. Some examples of R₃₂ are methoxy, ethoxy, n- and i-propyloxy, n-, i- and t-butyloxy, hexafluoro-i-propyloxy and hexa- and perfluorobutyloxy.

Some examples of substituted phenyl and benzyl for R₃₂ and R₃₃ are p-methylphenyl or benzyl, p-fluoro- or p-chlorophenyl or -benzyl, p-ethylphenyl or -benzyl, p-n- or i-propylphenyl or -benzyl, p-i-butylphenyl or -benzyl, 3-methylphenyl or -benzyl, 3-i-propylphenyl or -benzyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl or -benzyl, 2,6-i-propylphenyl or -benzyl, 2,6-n- or -t-butylphenyl and -benzyl. R₃₃ is with particular preference unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyl.

In the case of the bisphenolate, the ligands involved can be of the formula ##STR8## which are unsubstituted or in which the benzene rings are substituted once or twice by C₁ -C₄ alkyl.

In a preferred embodiment the molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds correspond in particular to the formulae VIII to VIIId, ##STR9## in which Me is Mo(VI) or W(VI),

Me₁ is Nb(V) or Ta(V),

at least two, preferably 2 or 3, of the radicals R₃₉ to R₄₃ are a radical --CH₂ --R of the formula VII, R is H, --CF₃, --CR₂₆ R₂₇ R₂₈, --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₄ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N;

R₂₆, R₂₇ and R₂₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₀ alkoxy, or R₂₆ and R₂₇ have this meaning and R₂₈ is C₆ -C₁₀ aryl or C₄ -C₉ heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy; and

R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl;

pairs of the remaining radicals from R₃₉ to R₄₃ are ═O or ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₃ is linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, or is C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or is phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen; and/or

the remaining radicals from R₃₉ to R₄₃ are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, indenyl, cyclopentadienyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand, in which the R₃₂ s independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen.

The radicals R and R₂₆ to R₃₃ are subject to the preferences indicated above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in the novel composition, use is made of molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds of the formula VIII in which

a) R₃₉ to R₄₄ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, or

b) R₃₉ and R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₃ and R₄₄ together, independently of one another, are R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or

c) R₄₃ and R₄₄ together and R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₉ and R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R,

where R, R₃₂ and R₃₃ have the earlier meanings. R, R₃₂ and R₃₃ are subject to the earlier preference.

Among the compounds of the formula VIIIc, particular preference i given to those in which R₃₉, R₄₀ and R₄₁ are a radical of the formula VIIa, and the radical of the formula VIIa is with particular preference --CH₂ --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃.

With very particular preference, in the novel composition, use is made of molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds of the formulae IX, IXa or IXb ##STR10## in which Me is Mo(VI) or W(VI),

R is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅, --C₆ H₅ or --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃,

R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy,

R₄₁ is unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, and

R₄₂ has the same meaning as R₄₁ or is F, Cl or Br. With particular preference R₄₁ is branched alkoxy which is unsubstituted or partially or completely substituted by F, for example i-propyloxy, i- and t-butyloxy, hexafluoropropyloxy and nonafluoropropyloxy. R₄₂ is preferably Cl.

In another particularly preferred embodiment, the novel composition comprises niobium compounds and tantalum compounds of the formula VIIId in which

a) R₃₉ to R₄₃ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, or

b) R₃₉ and R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII--CH₂ --R, R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₃ is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or

c) R₃₉, R₄₀ and R₄₁ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, and R₄₂ and R₄₃ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, or R₃₉, R₄₀, R₄₁ and R₄₂ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, and R₄₃ is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, where R, R₃₂ and R₃₃ have the earlier meanings. R, R₃₂ and R₃₃ are subject to the earlier preferences.

With very particular preference, in the novel composition, use is made of niobium compounds or tantalum compounds of the formula IXc, IXd or IXe, ##STR11## in which Me₁ is Nb(V) or Ta(V),

R is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅, --C₆ H₅ or --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃,

R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy,

R₄₃ is formula IXc is the group --CH₂ --R or F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl;

R₄₁, R₄₂ and R₄₃ in formula IXd independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; and

R₄₁ and R₄₂ in formula IXe independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl. With particular preference the alkoxy is branched alkoxy which is unsubstituted or substituted partially or completely by F, for example i-propyloxy, i- and t-butyloxy, hexafluoropropyloxy and nonafluoropropyloxy.

Among the molybdenum, tungsten, niobium and tantalum compounds, a preferred subgroup comprises those in which at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I is attached to the metal atom if two of the radicals of the formula VIIa is [sic] the group --CH₂ --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁, R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ being subject to the earlier preferences.

Some examples of molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds are:

W(═N--C₆ H₅)(OC(CH₃)₃)(Cl)[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃)]₂,

W(═NC₆ H₅)[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃ Cl, W(═N--C₆ H₅)(OC(CF₃)₂ CH₃)₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃)]₂,

[(CH₃)₃ SiCH₂ ]₃ Mo═Mo[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃,

Mo(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)₂ [(CH₂ C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅)]₂,

Mo(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)₂ [(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)]₂,

Mo(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)₂ [(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)]₂ and

Mo(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)₂ (CH₃)₂ (tetrahydrofuran).

Some examples of niobium(V) compounds and tantalum(V) compounds are [Cp is cyclopentadienyl and Me is Nb(V) or Ta(V)]:

Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃ Cl₂, CpMe[OCCH₃ (CF₃)₂ ]₂ [CH₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₂,

Cp₂ Me[CH₂ C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₃, Me(2,6-dimethylphenyloxy)₂ (CH₃)₃,

Cp₂ Me(Methyl)₂ [OCH(CH₃)₂ ], Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₅,

Me(═N--C₆ H₅)[OC(CF₃)₂ CH₃ ][CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂,

Me(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)[CH₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₃,

Me(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)[(CH₂ C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₂ Cl,

CpMe[OC(CH₃)₃ ]₂ [CH₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₂,

Me(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)[CH₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₃, Me(2,6-diisopropylphenyloxy)₂ (CH₃)₃,

Me(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃ (CH₃)₃, Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃ [OCH(CH₃)]₂, Cp₂ Me(Methyl)₃,

Cp₂ Me[CH₂ --C₆ H₅ ]₃, Cp₂ Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃, CpMe[OCH(CH₃)₂ ]₂ [CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂,

Cp₂ Me[2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃ O)][CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂,

Me(═N--C₆ H₅)[OC(CH₃)₃ ][CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂.

In another preferred embodiment, the niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds correspond in particular to the formulae X or Xa ##STR12## in which Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI);

Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V);

one of the radicals R₄₄ to R₄₉ is a radical --CH₂ --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁ of the formula VIIa; at least one of the radicals R₄₄ to R₄₉ is F, Cl or Br;

R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl;

in formula X two or pairs, and in formula Xa two, of the remaining radicals from R₄₄ to R₄₉, in each case together, are ═O or ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₃ is linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, or is C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or is phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, and

the remaining radicals R₄₄ to R₄₈ are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand in which the R₃₂ s independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen; or in

The formulae X and Xa the remaining radicals of R₄₄ to R₄₉ independently of one another are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand, in which the R₃₂ s independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen.

The radicals R₂₉ to R₃₃ are subject to the preferences indicated above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the novel composition comprises niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds of the formula X and Xa in which

R₄₄ is a radical of the formula VIIa --CH₂ --Si(R₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁)₃ and R₄₅ is F, Cl or Br; and

(a) in formula X R₄₆ and R₄₇ and also R₄₈ and R₄₉, in each case together, are the radical ═N--R₃₃, or R₄₆ and R₄₇ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₈ and R₄₉ independently of one another are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or

(b) in formula Xa R₄₆ and R₄₇ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₈ are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or in formula Xa R₄₆, R₄₇ and R₄₈ independently of one another are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen,

where R₂₉ to R₃₃ have the earlier meanings. R₂₉, R₃₀, R₃₁, R₃₂ and R₃₃ are subject to the earlier preferences.

With very particular preference, the novel composition comprises niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds or tungsten compounds of the formula XI, XIa, XIb or XIc ##STR13## in which Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI);

Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V);

R is --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃ ;

Z is F, Cl or Br;

R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl which is substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy,

(a) R₄₈ and R₄₉ in formula XI together are the group ═NR₃₃ or individually, independently of one another, are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl;

(b) R₄₆, R₄₇ and R₄₈ and R₄₉ in formula XIa independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl;

(c) R₄₈ in formula XIb is F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; and

(d) R₄₆, R₄₇ and R₄₈ in formula XIc independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl. With particular preference the alkoxy is branched alkoxy which is unsubstituted or substituted partially or completely by F, for example i-propyloxy, i- and t-butyloxy, hexafluoropropyloxy and nonafluoropropyloxy. The phenyloxy radical is especially the phenyloxy substituted in the 2,6positions by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, for example 2,6-dimethylphenyloxy. Examples of substituted cyclopentadienyl radicals are mono- to pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl. R₃₃ is preferably phenyl or C₁ --C₁ alkyl-substituted phenyl, especially phenyl, 3,5-dimethyl-2,6-dimethyl-, 3,5-diethyl- and 2,6-diethylphenyl.

Very particularly preferred compounds in the novel composition are those of the formulae XII, XIIa, XIIb and XIIc

    (R.sub.33 --N═).sub.2 Me.sub.1 X.sub.a CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3(XII),

    (R.sub.33 --N═)R.sub.46 Me.sub.1 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3                                        (XIIa),

    R.sub.46 R.sub.47 Me.sub.2 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3(XIIb),

    R.sub.33 --N═Me.sub.2 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3(XIIc),

in which

Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI);

Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V); and

X_(a) is F, Cl or Br;

R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted by 1 or 2 C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups;

R₃₂ is branched, optionally partially or completely fluorine-substituted C₃ - or C₄ alkyl or phenyloxy or phenyloxy substituted from 1 to 3 times by methyl or ethyl groups;

R₄₆ and R₄₇ independently of one another are cyclopentadienyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 methyl groups or are X_(a) or R₃₂ O--; and

R₄₈ is cyclopentadienyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 methyl groups or is X_(a) or R₃₂ O--.

Some examples of niobium(V) compounds, tantalum(V) compounds, molybdenum(VI) compounds and tungsten(VI) compounds are [Cp is cyclopentadienyl and Me is Nb(V) or Ta(V)]:

Me(═N--C₆ H₅)[OCH(CH₃)₂ ][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Cp₂ Me[OC(CH₃)₃ ][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Me(═N--C₆ H₅)[OCH(CF₃)₂ ][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, CpMe[OCH(CH₃)₂ ]₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Br, Me(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl₂, (C₆ H₅ O)₂ CpMe[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Me(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)[(CH₃)₂ CHO][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Cp₂ Me[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl₂, CpMe[OCH(CH₃)₂ ]₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, W(═N--C₆ H₅)[(OC(CH₃)₃ ][CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl₂, CpMe[OCH(CF₃)₂ ]₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, W(═N--C₆ H₅)[(OC(CH₃)₃ ]₂ [CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Cp₂ Me(methyl)[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Mo(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)₂ [CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Cp₂ Me[OCH(CH₃)₂ ][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, CpMe[OC(CH₃)(CF₃)₂ ]₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, [OCH(CH₃)₂ ]₂ Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl₂, (═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)CpMe[(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ][OCH(CH₂)](CF₃ O)₂ Cl, Mo₂ [(CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃)(OCH₂ C(CH₃)₃)Cl]₂, (2,6-diisopropylphenyloxy)₂ Me[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl₂, Mo(═N--C₆ H₅)₂ [CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, (═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)Me[2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃ O)][(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃)]Cl, Me(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)(2,6-dimethyl-C₆ H₅ O)[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Mo(═N-2,6-diisopropylC₆ H₃)[(OCH₂ C(CH₃)₃ ]₂ [CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl, Me(═N-2,6-dimethylC₆ H₃)((CF₃)₂ CHO)[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl and Me(2,6-dimethylphenyloxy)(CH₃ O)₂ [(CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]Cl.

The niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds to be used in accordance with the invention are known or can be prepared by known and analogous processes, starting from metal halides which may be appropriately substituted, by means of Grignard reactions [Schrock, R. R., Murdzeck, J. S., Bazan, G. C., Robbins, J., DiMare, M., O'Regan, M., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 112:3875-3886 (1990)].

Catalytic amounts in the context of the present invention is preferably an amount from 0.001 to 20 mol-%, more preferably 0.01 to 15 mol-%, particularly preferably from 0.01 to 10 mol-% and, with very particular preference, from 0.01 to 5 mol-%, based on the amount of the monomer. If the catalysts have a high photocatalytic activity, then in this case amounts from 0.001 to 2% by weight are very particularly preferred.

The novel composition can comprise solvents, especially if it is used to prepare coatings. A very particular advantage is that it is not necessary to use any solvents, since the catalysts themselves are readily soluble in strained cycloolefins containing only carbon and hydrogen. By this means there are made possible polymerizations in bulk which were hitherto impossible to carry out, constituting particular technical and ecological advantages in connection with the preparation of moldings and coatings.

Suitable inert solvents are, for example, protic-polar and aprotic solvents, which can be used alone or in mixtures of at least two solvents. Examples are ethers (dibutyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethylene glycol monomethyl or dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl or diethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether), halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane), carboxylic esters and lactones (ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl benzoate, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, pivalolactone), carboxyamides and lactams (N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, tetramethylurea, hexamethylphosphoric triamide, γ-butyrolactam, ε-caprolactam, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-acetylpyrrolidone, N-methylcaprolactam), sulfoxides (dimethyl sulfoxide), sulfones (dimethyl sulfone, diethyl sulfone, trimethylene sulfone, tetramethylene sulfone), tertiary amines (N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine), aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, for example petroleum ether, pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, benzene or substituted benzene (chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, toluene, xylene) and nitriles (acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, phenylacetonitrile). Preferred solvents are aprotic polar and apolar solvents.

The choice of solvents depends principally on the properties of the one-component catalysts which must not be deactivated by the solvents used. With the one-component catalysts used it is advisable to exclude oxygen and moisture. The compositions are storage stable, storage in the dark being advisable because of the photosensitivity.

The novel composition can include formulation auxiliaries. Known auxiliaries are antistats, antioxidants, light stabilizers, plasticizers, dyes, pigments, fillers, reinforcing fillers, lubricants, adhesion promoters, viscosity-increasing agents and demolding auxiliaries. The fillers can be present in surprisingly high proportions without adversely affecting the polymerization, for example in amounts of up to 70% by weight, preferably from 1 to 70% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, with particular preference from 10 to 50% by weight and, with especial preference, from 10 to 40% by weight, based on the composition. A very large number of fillers, including reinforcing fillers, are known for improving the optical, physical, mechanical and electrical properties. Some examples are glass and quartz in the form of powders, spheres and fibers, metal oxides and semimetal oxides, carbonates such as MgCO₃, CaCO₃, dolomite, metal sulfates such as gypsum and heavy spar, natural and synthetic silicates such as talc, zeolites, wollastonite, felspars, aluminas such as chine clay, ground minerals, whiskers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers or polymer powders and carbon black.

Viscosity-increasing agents are, in particular, metathesis polymers which have olefinically unsaturated groups and which can be incorporated into the polymer during the polymerization. Such metathesis polymers are known and are obtainable commercially, for example, under the trade name Vestenamere®. Other viscosity-increasing agents are polybutadiene, polyisoprene or polychlorobutadiene, and also copolymers of butadiene, isoprene and chloroprene with olefins. The viscosity-increasing agents can be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 30 and, with particular preference, from 1 to 20% by weight based on the composition. When using fillers it is judicious to obtain the optical transparency for the polymerization or to conduct the polymerization in thin films.

A further subject of the invention is a process for preparing polymers from acetylenes by photometathesis polymerization, wherein a composition comprising at least one nonvolatile acetylene alone or together with a strained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of at least one one-component catalyst selected from the group consisting of molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds, which either comprise at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent or comprise at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal,

(a) is polymerized by irradiation, or

(b) the one-component catalyst is activated by brief irradiation and the polymerization is brought to an end by heating.

The polymers obtainable are polyacetylenes comprising structural units of the formula XIII

    --CR.sub.a ═CR.sub.b --                                (XIII),

in which R_(a) and R_(b) can have the meanings indicated above. Another subject of the invention are the novel polymers. In accordance with the invention it is possible to form cis polymers, trans polymers or mixed forms. In the case of copolymerization with strained cycloolefins, block copolymers or, directly, alloys of both polymers are principally obtained. The formation of random polymers is less pronounced. The polymers can have a mean molecular weight (Mw) of, for example, from 500 up to 2 million daltons, preferably from 1000 to 1 million daltons (determined by GPC by comparison with narrowly distributed polystyrene standards). Insofar as the cycloolefins contain at least 2 double bonds, crosslinked polymers can also be formed.

Heating may denote a temperature from above room temperature, for example 30 to 300° C., preferably 40 to 250° C., particularly preferably 40 to 200° C. and, with particular preference, from 50 to 150° C. The polymerization times depend essentially on the catalyst activity.

In the process according to the invention it is not necessary to maintain the irradiation for the reaction mixture over the entire reaction period. Once the polymerization has been photochemically initiated, the subsequent course of the reaction ensues automatically even in the dark. Advantageously, irradiation is carried out with light having a wavelength in the range from 50 nm to 1000 nm, preferably in the range from 200 nm to 500 nm and, with very particular preference, in the UV region. The period of irradiation is dependent on the nature of the light source. Examples of suitable irradiation sources are sunlight, laser radiation, X-rays and, in particular, UV radiation sources. Preference is given in accordance with the invention to the use of UV lasers or UV lamps. Irradiation of the catalyst can be carried out before, during and after the addition of the monomers.

Suitable radiation times range from seconds to several hours, in particular from minutes from hours. The sequence of addition of monomers and catalyst is not critical. The monomer can be either introduced as initial charge or added after the catalyst has been introduced. Likewise, the catalyst can be irradiated beforehand and then the monomer can be added. In addition, it also possible to irradiate the solution comprising the catalyst and monomer.

The novel process is carried out preferably at from room temperature to slightly elevated temperature in the case of exclusive irradiation. A temperature increase serves to increase the reaction rate. Only in exceptional cases do the catalysts used initiate per se a thermal metathesis polymerization, with crosslinking, at the chosen temperatures. At the temperatures chosen for acceleration of the reaction, therefore, it is predominantly photopolymerization which takes place. However, it should be mentioned that by sufficient irradiation the catalysts can be converted to thermoactive catalysts.

In particular, the novel process is conducted with irradiation preferably at temperatures from -20 to +110° C. particularly preferably from 20 to 80° C.

The period of irradiation depends essentially on the desired reaction regime. Short-term irradiation, for example, is chosen when it is desired to initiate the polymerization only by irradiation and to bring it to an end by heating. Short term can mean an irradiation time of up to 60 seconds, preferably from 5 to 60 seconds and, with particular preference, from 10 to 40 seconds. A longer irradiation time is chosen, for example, when it is desired to conduct the polymerization permanently with irradiation and to bring the final polymerization to an end only by afterheating.

A very particular and surprising advantage of the novel process is that the one-component catalysts used act when irradiated as thermal catalysts. This opens up the possibility, after a short irradiation time, of continuing the polymerization, and bringing it to an end, by supplying heat, which in various sectors of the production of moldings or coatings offers economic and technical advantages.

The thermal polymerization is preferably carried out at temperatures from 40 to 300° C., more preferably from 50 to 200° C. and, with particular preference, from 60 to 150° C.

Using the novel process it is possible to produce materials for the production, by machining or directly, of shaped articles of all kinds, and to prepare coatings and relief images.

Depending on the monomer used, the novel polymers can have very different properties. Some feature very high permeability to gas, and especially to oxygen, low dielectric constants, high heat resistance (high glass transition temperatures, good thermal stability and low water absorption. Others have outstanding optical properties, for example high transparency and low refractive indices. Another feature of particular note is the low shrinkage. Consequently, they can be used in a wide variety of technical fields, for example as optical materials and contact lenses, as gas-permeable films or membranes for separating gas mixtures, as holographic recording material and, in the electrical industry, as insulating materials. Furthermore, the polymers can be converted by treatment with oxidizing agents into electrically conducting materials which can be used as electrical conductors (for example printed circuits) or electrodes. It is also possible to increase only the electrical conductivity of the surfaces of moldings made from these polymers by treatment with oxidizing agents subsequently.

The novel compositions are notable, as layers on the surfaces of carrier materials, by a high adhesive strength. In addition, the coated materials feature very high surface smoothness and gloss. Among the good mechanical properties, particular mention should be made of the low shrinkage and the high impact strength, but also of the thermal stability. Mention should also be made of the ready demoldability in connection with processing in molds, and the high solvent resistance.

These polymers are suitable for producing medical equipment, implants or contact lenses; for producing electronic components; as binders for coating materials; as photocurable compositions for modeling or as adhesives for bonding substrates with low surface energies (for example Teflon, polyethylene and polypropylene), and as photopolymerizable composition in stereolithography. The novel compositions can also be used for the preparation of coatings by photopolymerization, it being possible to use clear (transparent) and even pigmented compositions. Both white pigments and color pigments can be used.

The novel photocurable compositions are particularly suitable for producing protective coats and relief images. A further subject of the invention is a variant of the novel process for preparing coated materials or relief images on carrier materials, wherein a novel composition with or without solvent is applied as a layer to a carrier, for example by means of dipping, spreading, pouring, rolling, knife-coating or spin-coating techniques, the solvent (if used) is removed, and the layer is irradiated to polymerize it, or the layer is irradiated through a photomask, is subjected if desired to thermal aftercuring following the irradiation, and then the nonirradiated areas are removed with a solvent. This can be followed by heat treatment. Using this process it is possible to modify or protect surfaces of carrier materials, or to prepare, for example, printed circuits, printing plates or printing rollers. In the preparation of printed circuits the novel compositions can also be employed as solder resists. Other possible applications are the production of screen printing masks, and use as radiation-curable printing inks for offset, screen and flexographic printing.

A further subject of the present invention is a coated carrier material wherein a layer of a novel composition has been applied to a carrier material.

Likewise the subject of the present invention is a coated carrier material having a cured layer of a novel composition. The extraordinarily high adhesive strength of the layers, even on metal surfaces, is deserving of particular emphasis, even when the polymers involved are pure hydrocarbon polymers.

Examples of suitable carrier materials are those made of glass, minerals, ceramics, plastics, wood, semimetals, metals, metal oxides and metal nitrides. The layer thicknesses depend essentially on the desired use and can, for example, be from 0.1 to 1000 μm, preferably from 0.5 to 500 μm and, with particular preference, from 1 to 100 μm. The coated materials are notable for high adhesive strength and good thermal and mechanical properties.

The preparation of the coated materials according to the invention can be carried out by known methods such as, for example, spreading, knife coating, pouring techniques, such as curtain coating, or spin coating.

The novel compositions are also suitable for preparing rubberlike or thermoplastic polymers which, following the addition of, for example, free-radical initiators as crosslinking agents, can be crosslinked further.

The novel compositions can also be used as heat- or radiation-curable adhesives for the firm bonding of a wide variety of materials, with the achievement of outstanding peel strengths being possible.

The novel polymers feature--in addition to the high adhesive strengths, the outstanding processability, the good surface properties (smoothness, gloss), the high crosslinking density and the resistance to solvents and other liquids--in particular, very good physico-mechanical properties, for example high temperature stability, fracture resistance, flexural strength and impact strength and outstanding electrical properties, for example low surface tensions and surface charges (very low ε and tan δ values). Also deserving of mention are the high oxygen permeability and the low water absorption. Polymers composed only of carbon and hydrogen are particularly valuable from an ecological standpoint, since they can, for example, be completely recycled by pyrrolysis.

A further subject of the invention are shaped articles comprising polymers of the novel compositions.

The examples which follow illustrate the invention in more detail.

A) Preparing Polymers

EXAMPLES A1-A8

The catalyst, with or without solvent, is charged to a Schlenk vessel. Then the acetylene, with or without solvent, is added and the vessel is sealed. The mixture is irradiated with stirring. After about 15 seconds a rise in viscosity is observed. The reaction is terminated directly or after the standing time and the reaction mixture is poured into 100 ml of ethanol. The precipitated polymer is filtered off, washed with ethanol and then dried in vacuo. The polymer is characterized by gel permeation chromatography [GPC; solvent tetrahydrofuran; the number (M_(n)) and weight (M_(w)) averages of the molecular weight are determined relative to the polystyrene calibration standards] and ¹ H-NMR (Bruker 300 MHz; solvent CDCl₃).

An identical experiment without exposure at 45° C. does not give a rise in viscosity, and no polymer precipitates after addition of ethanol.

The catalysts employed are:

A=W(NC₆ H₅)[OC(CH₃)][CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂ Cl;

B=W(NC₆ H₅)[OCCH₃ (CF₃)₂ ]₂ [CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂ ;

C=W(N-2,6-(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₃)(2,6-(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₃ O)[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₂ Cl;

D=[(CH₃)₃ SiCH₂ ]₃ Mo.tbd.Mo[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ;

E=Ta[CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃ ]₃ Cl₂

The acetylenes employed are:

(45)═H--C.tbd.C--C(CH₃)₃ ;

(46)═H₃ C--C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃ ;

(47)═H--C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃.

The exposure source used is a 200 W medium-pressure mercury vapor UV lamp (Osram HBO 200 W/2, manufacturer Spindler & Hoyer, Gottingen).

The reaction conditions and results are indicated in Table 1:

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________        Monomer                                                                              Catalyst    Standing                                                                            Yield                                                  Ex. amount [mg] S Light time [mg] MW                                         __________________________________________________________________________     1  1.70 g (45)                                                                          50 B --  1  --   1700 --                                                2 1.38 g (45) 50 B 5 15 14/50 910 78/1000                                      3 0.30 g (45)  6 A 1  5 14/45  5 crosslinked                                   4 0.30 g (45)  6 C 1  5  2/45;  15 65/1200                                          48/25                                                                     5 0.30 g (45)  6 E 1   5 14/25  15 crosslinked                                 6 0.41 g (46) 20 D 10 15  4/25 250 92/1900                                     7 5 ml (46) 70 E 15 20 14/25 350 1080/2010                                     8 5.00 g (47) 80 B -- 10 24/45 280 --                                        __________________________________________________________________________      S: solvent = toluene [ml                                                       Light: exposure time 25° C. [min                                        Standing time: before working up [h]/temperature [° C.                  MW: molecular weight (GPC g/mol) [M.sub.n (k)/M.sub.w (k)                

EXAMPLES A9-A17

Examples A9-A17 are carried out in a manner similar to Examples A1-A8 but in the presence of comonomers. Comonomers employed are compounds (1), (27) and (31). The reaction conditions and results are indicated in Table 2:

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________        Monomer                                                                              Catalyst    Standing                                                                            Yield                                                  Ex. amount [mg] S Light time [mg] MW                                         __________________________________________________________________________     10 0.45 g (45)                                                                          50 B 5  10  24/25                                                                               400   8/570                                             0.42 g (1)                                                                    11 0.25 g (45) 50 B 5 10 24/25 1030  230/790                                    0.85 g (1)                                                                    12 1 ml (45) 20 B 5 13 14/60 450 75/220                                         1 ml (31)                                                                     16 0.5 g (45) 300 B  -- 60 48/50 520 114/347                                    2.0 g (31)                                                                    13 1 ml (45) 20 B 5 15 14/60 550 47/204                                         1 ml (27)                                                                     14 0.5 ml (45) 10 B 5 20 14/50 450 40/115                                       0.5 ml (27)                                                                    9 0.25 g (46) 20 E 5 10 24/25 180 550/1860                                     0.25 g (1)                                                                    17 0.5 g (46) 15 E 5 30 14/25 490 310/730                                       0.5 g (1)                                                                     15 0.75 g (46) 10 E 10  30 14/25 150 535/1190                                   0.73 (1)                                                                    __________________________________________________________________________      S: solvent = toluene [ml                                                       Light: exposure time 25° C. [min                                        Standing time: before working up [h]/temperature [° C.                  MW: molecular weight (GPC, g/mol) [M.sub.n (k)/M.sub.w (k)               

EXAMPLE A18

20 mg of catalyst B are introduced into 1 ml of comonomer b and the mixture is irradiated for 1 min. A gelatinous solid is formed. Then a mixture of 2 ml of monomer 1 and 1 ml of comonomer b is added and the mixture is irradiated for 14 min. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 days and the copolymer formed is precipitated by adding methanol. It is dried at room temperature under a high vacuum for 24 h. By means of ¹ H-NMR, the composition of the copolymer reveals a ratio of poly-1 units to poly-b units of 10:1 M_(n) =81 k; M_(w) =371 k. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Composition comprising at least one nonvolatile acetylene of the formula I

    R.sub.a --C.tbd.C--R.sub.b                                 (I),

in which R_(a) is C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --OH, --CN, --NH₂, --NH(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --N(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)₂, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--O--, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--S--, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--C(O)O--, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--OC(O)--, --C(O)--NH₂, C₁ -C₆ alkyl--C(O)NH-- or C₁ -C₆ alkyl--NHC(O)--, or is C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl, (C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl)--C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₆ -C₁₈ aryl, C₇ -C₁₉ aralkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ alkoxy, C₃ -C₁₂ -cycloalkoxy, (C₃ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl)--C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆ -C₁₈ aryloxy, C₇ -C₁₉ aralkyloxy, C₃ -C₉ heterocycloalkyl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, or C₃ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, or R_(a) is --(O)_(k) --SiR_(c) R_(d) R_(e), C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl--OC(O)--, --C(O)--NH₂ or C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl--NHC(O)--; R_(b) is hydrogen or, independently, has the meaning of R_(a) ; R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkoxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl, phenyloxy, benzyl or benzyloxy; and k is 0 or 1;alone or together with a strained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of a catalyst for metathesis polymerization, wherein it comprises at least one one-component catalyst from the group of molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds which comprise (a) either at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent or (b) at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal.
 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the substituents for R_(a) and R_(b) are selected from the group consisting of --OH, --F, --Cl, --CN, C₁ -C₄ alkyl and C₁ -C₄ alkoxy.
 3. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as alkyl contain 1 to 12 C atoms.
 4. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl is branched.
 5. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as cycloalkyl are C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl.
 6. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as cycloalkylalkyl are C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--Ch₂ --, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--CH(CH₃)-- or C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl--C(CH₃)₂ --.
 7. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as aryl contain 6 to 14 C atoms.
 8. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as aralkyl contain 7 to 12 C atoms.
 9. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as heterocycloalkyl contain 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N.
 10. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) and R_(b) as heteroaryl contain 4 or 5 C atoms and one or two heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N.
 11. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) as alkyl or alkoxy are linear or branched and contain 1 to 12 C atoms.
 12. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(c), R_(d) and R_(e) are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, phenyl or benzyl.
 13. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the formula --(O)_(k) --SiR_(c) R_(d) R_(e)) k is
 0. 14. Composition according to claim 1, wherein R_(a) is --Si(CH₃)₃, --Si(OC₆ H₅)₃,--Si(CH₂ -C₆ H₅)₃, --Si(CH₃)₂ (C₂ H₅), --Si(C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂, --Si(OCH₂ --C₆ H₅)₃, --Si(CH₃)₂ [C(CH₃)₂ CH(CH₃)₂ ], --Si(n--C₃ H₇)₃, --Si(n--C₄ H₉)₃, --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₁₂ H₂₅), --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₄ H₉), --Si(CH₃)₂ (t--C₄ H₉), --Si(CH₃)₂ (n--C₁₈ H₃₇), --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂, --Si(C₂ H₅)₃, --Si(C₆ H₅)₃ or --Si(OCH₃)₃.
 15. Composition according to claim 14, wherein R_(a) is --Si(CH₃)₃.
 16. Composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the groups R_(a) and R_(b) is a sterically bulky group.
 17. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the acetylene is CH₃ --C.tbd.CH, CH₃ --C.tbd.C--CH₃, C₂ H₅ --C.tbd.CH, n-- or i--C₃ H₇ --C.tbd.CH, n--, i-- or t--C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.CH, t--C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.C--CH₃, C₄ H₉ --C.tbd.C--C₄ H₉, C₆ H₁₁ --C.tbd.CH, C₆ H₅ --C.tbd.CH, C₆ H₅ C.tbd.CC₆ H₅, HC.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, (H₃ C)₃ Si--C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, CH₃ --C.tbd.C--Si(CH₃)₃, t--C₄ H₉ O--C.tbd.CH or HC.tbd.C--Si(OCH₃)₃.
 18. Composition according to claim 17, wherein the acetylene is t-butylacetylene, trimethylsilylacetylene or methyl-trimethylsilylacetylene.
 19. Composition according to claim 1, wherein it additionally comprises a nonvolatile strained cycloolefin as comonomer.
 20. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of comonomer is from 0.1 to 99% by weight, based on the overall amount of the monomers.
 21. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of comonomer is from 1 to 95% by weight.
 22. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of comonomer is from 5 to 90% by weight.
 23. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of comonomer is from 5 to 75% by weight.
 24. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of comonomer is from 5 to 60% by weight.
 25. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the cyclic olefin is a monocyclic or polycyclic fused, and/or bridged ring system and/or ring system connected directly or via a bridge group and having from two to four rings, which are unsubstituted or substituted and contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, N or Si in one or more rings and/or fused aromatic or heteroaromatic rings.
 26. Composition according to claim 25, wherein the individual cycloolefins contain 3 to 16 ring members.
 27. Composition according to claim 25, wherein the individual cycloolefins contain 3 to 12 ring members.
 28. Composition according to claim 25, wherein the individual cycloolefins contain 3 to 8 ring members.
 29. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the cycloolefin corresponds to the formula II ##STR14## in which Q₁ is a radical which has at least one carbon atom and which, together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group, forms an at least 3-membered alicyclic ring which optionally contains one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorus, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; and which is unsubstituted or is substituted by halogen, ═O, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl, C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₆ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₆ heteroaralkyl or R₄ --X--; or in which two adjacent C atoms are substituted by --CO--O--CO-- or --CO--NR₅ --CO--; or in which an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is fused onto adjacent carbon atoms of the alicyclic ring and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₆ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl, C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₆ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₆ heteroaralkyl or R₁₃ --X₁ --;X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --O--C(O)--, --C(O)--O--, --C(O)--NR₅ --, --NR₁₀ --C(O)--, --SO₂ --O-- or --O--SO₂ --; R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; R₄ and R₁₃ independently are C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl; R₅ and R₁₀ independently of one another are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, the alkyl groups in turn being unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy or C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl; R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal; and u is 0 or 1;where the alicyclic ring formed with Q₁ may contain further nonaromatic double bonds; Q₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, halogen, --CN, R₁₁ --X₂ --; R₁₁ is C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₂₀ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₇ -C₁₆ aralkyl; X₂ is --C(O)--O-- or --C(O)--NR₁₂ --; R₁₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;where the above-mentioned cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl and heteroaralkyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ alkoxy, --NO₂, --CN or halogen, and where the heteroatoms of the above-mentioned heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl groups are selected from the group --O--, --S--, --NR₉ -- and --N═; and R₉ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.
 30. Composition according to claim 29, wherein the cycloolefins of the formula IIQ₁ is a radical having at least one carbon atom which together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group forms a 3- to 20-membered alicyclic ring which may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of silicon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, ═O, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ Si--(O)_(u) --, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl, C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₂ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₂ heteroaralkyl or R₄ --X--; or in which two adjacent C atoms in this radical Q₁ are substituted by --CO--O--CO-- or --CO--NR₅ --CO--; or in which an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring may be fused onto adjacent carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl, C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl, C₃ -C₆ heterocycloalkyl, C₃ -C₁₂ heteroaryl, C₄ -C₁₂ heteroaralkyl or R₁₃ --X₁ --; X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --O--C(O)--, --C(O)--O--, --C(O)--NR₅ --, --NR₁₀ --C(O)--, --SO₂ --O-- or --O--SO₂ --; R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal; R₄ and R₁₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl or C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl; R₅ and R₁₀ independently of one another are hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, the alkyl groups in turn being unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; u is 0 or 1;where the alicyclic ring formed with Q₁ may contain further nonaromatic double bonds; Q₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, halogen, --CN, R₁₁ --X₂ --; R₁₁ is C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, C₆ -C₁₂ aryl or C₇ -C₁₂ aralkyl; X₂ is --C(O)--O-- or --C(O)--NR₁₂ --; and R₁₂ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl;where the cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl and heteroaralkyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, --NO₂, --CN or halogen, and where the heteroatoms of the heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl groups are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR₉ -- and --N═; and R₉ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.
 31. Composition according to claim 29, wherein the cycloolefins of the formula IIQ₁ is a radical having at least one carbon atom which together with the --CH═CQ₂ -- group forms a 3- to 10-membered alicyclic ring which may contain a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of silicon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₁ R₂ R₃ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or R₄ --X--; or in which an alicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring may be fused onto adjacent carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, --CN, --NO₂, R₆ R₇ R₈ Si--, --COOM, --SO₃ M, --PO₃ M, --COO(M₁)_(1/2), --SO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), --PO₃ (M₁)_(1/2), C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl, C₁ -C₄ cyanoalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or R₁₃ --X₁ --; R₁, R₂ and R₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; M is an alkali metal and M₁ is an alkaline earth metal; R₄ and R₁₃ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ haloalkyl, C₁ -C₆ hydroxyalkyl or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; X and X₁ independently of one another are --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO-- or --SO₂ --; R₆, R₇ and R₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ perfluoroalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; and Q₂ is hydrogen.
 32. Composition according to claim 29, wherein the compounds of the formula II are norbornene and norbornene derivatives.
 33. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the strained cycloolefin is composed only of carbon and hydrogen.
 34. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the comonomers are selected from the group consisting of norbornene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene and cyclooctene.
 35. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the methyl group and the substituted methyl group corresponds to the formula VII

    --CH.sub.2 --R                                             (VII),

in which R is H, --CF₃, --CR₂₆ R₂₇ R₂₈, --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₄ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; and R₂₆, R₂₇ and R₂₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₀ alkoxy, or R₂₆ and R₂₇ have this meaning and R₂₈ is C₆ -C₁₀ aryl or C₄ -C₉ heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy; and R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or unsubstitute or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl.
 36. Composition according to claim 35, wherein the group R in formula VII is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ C₆ H₅, phenyl which is unsubstituted or is substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy, or is --CF₃ or --Si(CH₃)₃.
 37. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the silylmethyl group corresponds to the formula VIIa

    --CH.sub.2 --SiR.sub.29 R.sub.30 R.sub.31                  (VIIa),

in which R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl.
 38. Composition according to claim 37, where in the group of the formula VIIa R₂₉ to R₃₁ are C₁ -C₄ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl.
 39. Composition according to claim 37, wherein the group of the formula VIIa consists of --CH₂ Si(CH₃)₃, --CH₂ --Si(C₂ H₅)₃, --CH₂ --Si(n-C₃ H₇)₃, --CH₂ --Si(n-C₄ H₉)₃, --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₄ H₉), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (t-C₄ H₉), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (C₂ H₅), --CH₂ --Si(C₆ H₅)₃, --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (C(CH₃)₂ CH(CH₃)₂), --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₁₂ H₂₅), --CH₂ --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)₃, --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₂ (n-C₁₈ H₃₇), --CH₂ --Si(C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂ or --CH₂ --Si(CH₂ --C₆ H₅)(CH₃)₂.
 40. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the silylmethyl group is --CH₂ --Si(CH₃)₃.
 41. Composition according to claim 1, wherein remaining valences of the Mo(VI)-, W(VI)-, Nb(V)- and TA(V) atoms are satisfied by idential or different ligands selected from the group consisting of ═O, ═N--R₃₃, secondary amines having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, cyclopentadienyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl, indenyl, bisphenolates, tridentate monoanionic ligands, and neutral ligands selected from the group consisting of ethers, nitriles, CO and tertiary phosphines and tertiary amines, in which R₃₂ independently of one another are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo- substituted linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted phenyl, or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted benzyl or phenylethyl; and R₃₃ is unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy- or halo-substituted C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl, or halogen, or is unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl-, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl- or halo-substituted benzyl or phenylethyl.
 42. Composition according to claim 41, wherein the molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds correspond to one of the formulae VIII to VIIId, ##STR15## in which Me is Mo(VI) or W(VI),Me₁ is Nb(V) or Ta(V), at least two of the radicals R₃₉ to R₄₃ are a radical --CH₂ --R of the formula VII, R is H, --CF₃, --CR₂₆ R₂₇ R₂₈, --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted C₆ -C₁₆ aryl or C₄ -C₁₅ heteroaryl having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S and N; R₂₆, R₂₇ and R₂₈ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₁₀ alkoxy, or R₂₈ can also be C₆ -C₁₀ aryl or C₄ -C₉ heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy; and R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or are unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl; pairs of the remaining radicals from R₃₉ to R₄₃ are ═O or ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₃ is linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, or is C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or is phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen; and/or the remaining radicals from R₃₉ to R₄₃ are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, indenyl, cyclopentadienyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand, in which R₃₂ independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen.
 43. Composition according to claim 42, wherein the molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds correspond to the formula VIII in whicha) R₃₉ to R₄₄ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, or b) R₃₉ to R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₃ and R₄₄ together, independently of one another, are R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or c) R₄₃ and R₄₄ together and R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₉ and R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R; wherein the --CH₂ --R is defined as in claim
 35. 44. Composition according to claim 42, wherein the molybdenum compounds and tungsten compounds correspond to the formula IX, IXa or IXb ##STR16## in which Me is Mo(VI) or W(VI),R is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅, --C₆ H₅ or --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃, R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, R₄₁ is unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, and R₄₂ has the same meaning as R₄₁ or is F, Cl or Br.
 45. Composition according to claim 42, which comprises niobium compounds or tantalum compounds of the formula VIIId in whicha) R₃₉ to R₄₃ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, or b) R₃₉ to R₄₀ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, R₄₁ and R₄₂ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₃ is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or c) R₃₉, R₄₀ and R₄₁ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, and R₄₂ and R₄₃ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, or R₃₉, R₄₀, R₄₁ and R₄₂ are a radical of the formula VII --CH₂ --R, and R₄₃ is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen; wherein --CH₂ --R is defined as in claim
 35. 46. Composition according to claim 42, which comprises niobium compounds or tantalum compounds of the formula IXc, IXd and IXe ##STR17## in which Me₁ is Nb(V) or TA(V),R is H, --C(CH₃)₃, --C(CH₃)₂ --C₆ H₅, --C₆ H₅ or --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃, R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, R₄₃ in formula IXc is the group --CH₂ --R as defined in claim 35 F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; R₄₁, R₄₂ and R₄₃ in formula IXd independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituded or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; and R₄₁ and R₄₂ in formula IXe independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl.
 47. Composition according to claim 1, which comprises niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds or tungsten compounds of the formula X or Xa ##STR18## in which Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI);Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V); one of the radicals R₄₄ to R₄₉ is a radical --CH₂ --SiR₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁ of the formula VIIa as defined in claim 37; at least one of the radicals R₄₄ to R₄₉ is F, Cl or Br; R₂₉, R₃₀ and R₃₁ independently of one another are C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl, or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₆ alkyl- or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-substituted phenyl or benzyl; in formula X two or pairs, and in formula Xa two, of the remaining radicals from R₄₄ to R₄₉, in each case together, are ═O or ═N--R₃₃, and R₃₃ is linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, or is C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or is phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, and the remaining radicals R₄₄ to R₄₈ are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand in which R₃₂ independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy-methyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen; or in the formulae X and Xa the remaining radicals of R₄₄ to R₄₉ independently of one another are secondary amino having 2 to 18 C atoms, R₃₂ O-- or R₃₂ S--, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or bridged biscyclopentadienyl or a neutral ligand, in which the R₃₂ S independently of one another are linear or branched C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are C₅ - or C₆ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy or halogen, or are phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen, or are phenylethyl or benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkoxymethyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxyethyl, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino, di(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)amino-C₁ -C₃ alkyl or halogen.
 48. Composition according to claim 47, which comprises niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds or tungsten compounds of the formula X or Xa in whichR₄₄ is a radical of the formula VIIa --CH₂ -Si(R₂₉ R₃₀ R₃₁)₃ and R₄₅ is F, Cl or Br; and (a) in formula X R₄₆ and R₄₇ and also R₄₈ and R₄₉, in each case together, are the radical ═N--R₃₃, or R₄₆ and R₄₇ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₈ and R₄₉ independently of one another are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or b) in formula Xa R₄₆ and R₄₇ together are the radical ═N--R₃₃, and R₄₈ are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen, or in formula Xa R₄₆, R₄₇ and R₄₈ independently of one another are unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, R₃₂ --O-- or halogen.
 49. Composition according to claim 47, which comprises niobium compounds, tantalum compounds, molybdenum compounds or tungsten compounds of the formula XI, XIa, XIb or XIc ##STR19## in which Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI);Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V); R is --Si(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)₃ ; Z is F, Cl or Br; R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl which is substituted from 1 to 3 times by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, (a) R₄₈ and R₄₉ in formula XI together are the group ═NR₃₃ or individually, independently of one another, are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or R₄₁, R₄₂, R₄₃ and R₄₄ unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl; (b) R₄₆, R₄₇, R₄₈ and R₄₉ in formula XIa independently of one another are F, Cl Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; (c) R₄₈ in formula XIb is F, Cl Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl; and (d) R₄₆, R₄₇ and R₄₈ in formula XIc independently of one another are F, Cl, Br, unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted, linear or--in particular--branched C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl- or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy-substituted phenyloxy or unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl.
 50. Composition according to claim 47, which comprises compounds of the formula XII, XIIA, XIIb or XIIc

    (R.sub.33 --N═).sub.2 Me.sub.1 X.sub.a CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3 (XII),

    (R.sub.33 --N═)R.sub.46 Me.sub.1 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3 (XIIa),                                (XIIa),

    R.sub.46 R.sub.47 Me.sub.2 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3 (XIIb),

    R.sub.33 --N═Me.sub.2 X.sub.a (OR.sub.32)CH.sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3 (XIIc),

in which Me₁ is Mo(VI) or W(VI); Me₂ is Nb(V) or Ta(V); and X_(a) is F, Cl or Br; R₃₂ is branched, optionally partially or completely fluorine-substituted C₃ - or C₄ alkyl or phenyloxy or phenyloxy substituted from 1 to 3 times by methyl or ethyl groups; R₃₃ is phenyl or phenyl substituted by 1 to 2 C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups; R₄₆ and R₄₇ independently of one another are cyclopentadienyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 methyl groups or are indenyl, X_(a) or R₃₂ O--; and R₄₈ is cyclopentadienyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 methyl groups or is X_(a) or R₃₂ O--.
 51. Composition according to claim 1, which comprises the one-component catalyst in an amount of from 0.001 to 20 mol-%, based on the amount of the monomers.
 52. Composition according to claim 51, which comprises the one-component catalyst in an amount of from 0.01 to 15 mol-%.
 53. Composition according to claim 51, which comprises the one-component catalyst in an amount of from 0.01% to 10 mol-%.
 54. Composition according to claim 51, which comprises the one-component catalyst in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 mol-%.
 55. Composition according to claim 1, which comprises formulation auxiliaries.
 56. Process for preparing polymers from acetylenes by photometathesis polymerization, which comprises at least one nonvolatile acetylene alone or together with a strained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of at least one one-component catalyst selected from the group consisting of molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds, which either comprise at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without α hydrogen atoms in the substituent or comprise at least one halogen and only one silymethyl group attached to the metal,(a) is polymerized by irradiation, or (b) the one-component catalyst is activated by brief irradiation and the polymerization is brought to an end by heating at temperatures from 30 to 300° C.
 57. Process for preparing coated materials or relief images on carrier materials, wherein a composition according to claim 1 with or without solvent is applied as a layer to a carrier, the solvent (if used) is removed, and the layer is irradiated to polymerize it, or the layer is irradiated through a photomask, is subjected if desired to thermal aftercuring following the irradiation, and then the nonirradiated areas are removed with a solvent.
 58. Coated carrier material, wherein layer of a composition according to claim 1 has been applied to the carrier material.
 59. Carrier material, wherein a polymerized layer of a composition according to claim 1 has been applied to the carrier material.
 60. A shaped article comprising a polymer of the composition according to claim
 1. 